The Institute for International Education has ranked the University of Vermont fifth in the nation among public doctoral universities for the percentage of its undergraduate students -- 32.5 percent -- who participate in study abroad programs.

The university is ranked 32nd among all doctoral universities in the country. There are 282 doctoral universities in the United States.

The ranking was released in November in the institute's annual Open Doors report, which collects data on international educational exchanges.

“We work very hard to find a large number and wide variety of study abroad opportunities for our students, encourage them to participate, and provide the support that will enable them to succeed,” said Kim Howard, director of the Office of International Education. “Study abroad nurtures foreign language mastery, cultural adeptness and broad-mindedness, and problem-solving, all skills that are increasingly sought after by employers. They are also the qualities we need to continue to nurture in our citizenry if we are to move toward peace in the world.”

UVM offers students 900 different study abroad locations in 80 countries and six continents. Its program includes 188 exchange programs with other universities, two UVM-run semester abroad programs and 25 shorter duration programs led by UVM faculty.